What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optical Fabrication Engineer position at SCHOTT?
Your Contribution
- Develop, optimize, and sustain spherical generation, prism generation, and CNC programming processes for precision glass and ceramic optics to ensure consistent quality, repeatability, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Analyze manufacturing workflows and equipment performance, identifying and implementing process improvements that increase yield, reduce bottlenecks, and improve throughput.
- Create and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, operation sheets, and inspection procedures, while ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and internal quality standards.
- Utilize advanced metrology equipment such as interferometers, autocollimators, profilometers, and CMMs to evaluate optical components and support data-driven process decisions.
- Collaborate closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to define critical-to-quality requirements and establish effective process controls.
- Lead and support root cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
- Train and mentor technicians and junior engineers on polishing best practices, metrology interpretation, and process discipline.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using statistical process control, lean manufacturing principles, and best practices in optical fabrication.
Your Profile
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- 5 to 10 years of hands-on experience in optical fabrication, including spherical generation, prism machining, and related manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of glass and ceramic materials, abrasives, diamond tooling, fixturing, and optical fabrication methods.
- Experience with optical metrology systems, including CMMs, profilometers, goniometers, or similar equipment, with the ability to interpret data and recommend corrective actions.
- Proven ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams, communicate technical information clearly, and leverage tools such as SAP, Microsoft Office, and data analysis software. Six Sigma Green Belt certification or similar continuous improvement training is a plus.
Your Benefits
At SCHOTT, you can expect a unique corporate culture where we emphasize equity, diversity, and inclusion. We know: motivated and committed employees are the precondition for the success of our company.
Discover a special corporate culture where everyone has the opportunity to develop their entire potential.
We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your needs to include medical, dental, vision, 401K, vacation, holidays, tuition reimbursement, short-term/long-term disability, etc.